raised my rates...

[AMPhoto]

...and my world didnt come crashing down. I used to offer discounts for weekly visits, and have decided not to do that anymore. Some people take advaneforum.xxxe (they want to come every other week, once a month, etc, and still get the discount). Ive been telling my folks about the rate increase, and most have looked me square in the eye and said "its about darn time!" wow. For the longest time I have been the most reasonable (I hate saying cheapest!) as far as rates in my area, but I realized some people think theyre not getting as good of a massage if theyre at the "cheapest" place around. Go figure. Im feeling good about my decision, and so are my clients. Also getting ready to take some new classes to make sure my folks are getting the best!

 

[ownerest]

It must be something in the water! Congratulations.

 

[Shane]

raised my rates...

Ive been telling my folks about the rate increase, and most have looked me square in the eye and said "its about darn time!" wow.

Wow is right! Couldn't ask for a better response! Congratulations!

 

[~*~3 WKS LEFT~*~]

If you don't mind me for asking what where your rates and what are they now?

Jason

 

[Danny G]

Jason, I only went up $5.00 on my rates. It seems like a small deal until you start thinking "OMG, my clients will riot!!" but they didnt! Old rates were 30 for 30 min, 50 for 60 min, 75 for 90 min. Only went up a small amount. But as I read in another post, with all the extras I offer, (and I spoil them, I really do!!) the classes I take to make sure to offer them the best, I believe the rate increase was the way to go.

 

[bananaberry]

Congratulations, Bodymovers! t041

Was that your first rate increase? Sometimes, the first time is the most anxiety-producing; then when your clients respond supportively, you know that next time you raise your rates, there will be nothing to fear.

 

[peter]

Yeah, was my 1st real increase. Anxiety out thew wazooo lol least I wont have to worry about it again for a bit!

 

[PIOLET211]

I raised my rates, too, a couple of weeks ago, just posted a note on the back of my treatment room door to let people know the effective date and the new prices. I also posted a sign in the lobby. I never said anything about it, except to those who wrote out their checks for the old price.

It was an increase of $10 for the 30 minute, and $5 for the 60 and 90 minute. But I have been in practice for 3 years and good lord, I've gotten much better since my first appontment. I've also taken a few classes since then and read a few great books to improve my technique. I definitely feel it was time and that my skill is worth the increase. Not to mention I've got more classes lined up for this year, and I am aiming for a more specific type of practice.

I have decided not to accept tips any longer. In a way the increase might actually cancel out any pay increase, but it's a step toward the practice I am striving for and I may end up making another increase or adjustments in another year.

 

[No Bull!]

YaH! congrats and good for you!!

 

[mkbrocato]

I have decided not to accept tips any longer. In a way the increase might actually cancel out any pay increase, but it's a step toward the practice I am striving for and I may end up making another increase or adjustments in another year.

t041 heehee. Lots of people here know that I also have this "no tipping" policy, which I adhere to rigidly--even handing back the tip if a first timer tries to insist, with a smile, a thank you, and a brief explanation.

akb, I would LOVE to know what brought you to that decision? How are you going to tell your existing clients? Will you post a sign? Do you do outcalls, and will you accept tips for those?

I'm so curious! :

 

[bethan]

Bravo Bodymovers!!! t023

Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back

Lisa

 

[MissAnnMai]

akb, I would LOVE to know what brought you to that decision? How are you going to tell your existing clients? Will you post a sign? Do you do outcalls, and will you accept tips for those?

I'm so curious! :

Free money is great, but it just has not set well with me. I am not working for tips, I set my prices according to what I would like to be paid for my services. I don't like to tip others unless they are working for tips.

This will work better for me. I feel more comfortable upholding my policies for all people equally if all people are paying me the same amount of money. I won't feel that I owe someone a favor because they always tip well or something.

Some of my regulars didn't tip me anyway, but for those who did I let them know I really appreciated it in the past but I no longer accept them. Plain and simple. I haven't yet, but I will post a sign in my room where I take payments.

I do not do outcalls.

The idea could have been planted by you, Breathe, as I know that you do not accept tips...and it made sense to me.

 

[CrystalZephyr]

I raised my rates, too, a couple of weeks ago, just posted a note on the back of my treatment room door to let people know the effective date and the new prices. I also posted a sign in the lobby. I never said anything about it, except to those who wrote out their checks for the old price.

This is exactly what I do when I raise my rates. I put a sign up about six weeks in advance, so my monthly clients know about the rate increase before their next appointment. The sign says: "New Massage Therapy Rates Effective (Date):" and then lists the new prices.

This is a low-key way to do it. It comes across like it's no big deal; just a minor change. Also, if the idea of telling your clients you're raising your rates makes you nervous, you don't have to worry about it. (Signs can't blush or stammer.) :

 

[Emy]

Hi All,

I did a search on this topic as I'm raising my rates and also adding some modalities. I am going to send out an email to my mailing list. Anyone else do it this way?